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King’s Hockey School running strong in seventh year

Aug 10, 2018 | 10:03 AM

Hockey is definitely a family affair for the King family of Meadow Lake. D.J., Dwight, and Dayna King, sister Danene Kopperud, and parents Donna and Dwayne have been busy this week running their annual hockey camp for the community.

Over 100 local young athletes from age five to 12 participated in the three-day event at PineRidge Ford Place on Flying Dust First Nation. They learned a mixed of skills including on-ice conditioning, positive athlete traits, and team-building. The four Kinh siblings each have extensive hockey careers, with Dayna and Danene both playing for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, while D.J. and Dwight have played in the NHL.

D.J. said this year’s seventh-annual event was a fun one for all involved, participants.

“In seven years, it rolls pretty good now,” he said. “The kids are really excited to be back on the ice throughout this week.”

Kopperud said she feels fortunate to work alongside family members, and noted many of the instructors and assistants are also her cousins. 

“Our junior helpers are family too,” she said. “They’ve went through the camp and now can be our helpers. They do a big role.”

Miller Gerwing said his favourite part of the camp was the scrimmage, because he got to put all the elements of the week’s drills into practice. Seth Fisher echoed Gerwing’s thoughts on the scrimmage, but said he also liked ‘dry land’ training because he did push-ups, drills, and stretches.

Eight-year-old Carter Osborne has been playing hockey for three years, and this was his first time at the King’s Hockey School. He said the whole week was fun, and he hopes to return.

 

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath